Photos by RANDY PARKS

Two F-15s passed over Harney District Hospital twice on Friday, May 8, in honor of those on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, May 8, the Oregon Air National Guard conducted multiple F-15 Eagle flyovers over hospitals and other locations as a salute to Oregonians on the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic and to lift morale during a time of severe health and economic impacts.

The tribute was conducted by Oregon’s 173rd Fighter Wing, based in Klamath Falls, and the 142nd Wing, based in Portland.

The F-15s that flew over Harney District Hospital began with a flyover in Lakeview before arriving in Burns, then went on to Ontario, Prineville, Redmond, and Bend.

The other F-15s conducted flyovers from Vancouver, Wash. to Hood River, The Dalles, Portland, Astoria, Tillamook, Corvallis, Salem, Silverton, and many other cities on the western side of the state.

The flyovers were done at approximately 1,500 feet above ground level at approximately 400 mph airspeed.

“We are honored to pay tribute to everyone who has served on the frontlines during this pandemic,” Brig. General Donna Prigmore, Commander of the Oregon Air National Guard said. “This is a small way of showing our gratitude for the big sacrifices that our healthcare workers, emergency responders, and so many others have made. We thank all of you.”

The flyover plans were conducted as a part of Operation: American Resolve, and were done in conjunction with regularly scheduled training. Pilots must perform a minimum number of flight hours to maintain proficiency. The flyovers did not incur any additional cost to taxpayers and were performed in lieu of regularly scheduled training.

Additional Oregon Air National Guard flyovers are scheduled for Friday, May 15.